KNOW_IT_ALL_ TRAVEL NEWS The Challenge involves kayaking and trekking 280 kilometres of rough Tasmanian terrain. I started the Mark Webber Pure Tasmania Challenge in 2003 as a way for me to put something back into the community. This year, we hope to raise around $500,000 for the Leukaemia Foundation and the Save the Tassie Devil appeal. I’ve been to a lot of children’s hospitals over the years and when you see those kids and their families suffering, it reminds me I am so very fortunate to have the life I have. You might argue that the end of the F1 racing season would be a good time for me to take a break, but I like going down to Tasmania and I enjoy seeing the participants get a lot out of the event and out of themselves. FEEL THE BURN There are generally a lot of nerves on the starting line and many people are apprehensive about whether they can complete the course, but when they do, they’re blown away by their achievements. There’s a lot of camaraderie as well – not many people know each other at the start but, by the end, it’s like we’ve known each other for years. The trust and bond that builds between people from having helped each other through an arduous week is very special. In 2003, we tackled the South Coast Track, which lies within the Southwest National Park and forms part of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area. It normally takes people seven to 10 days to trek but we smashed through it in three days. We were all fit but the condition we came out in was pretty shocking. We built up some great camaraderie during that trek while we helped each other set up camp and looked after our injuries together. You learn a lot about yourself and others in a situation like that. 038 VIRGINBLUE We’ve had plenty of people crying at the finish line because the emotion has just been too much. Many people become physically and emotionally empty in the middle of the week. But somehow, we keep themgoing through the tough times and when they get to the end, it’s just so special. FUN AND GAMES I like the mountain-biking leg because there’s a bit of speed involved and some adrenalin. But I also like the paddling. It’s just you and your boat and your partner. You’re just focused on getting to the next checkpoint with no distractions. I remember the year [former Australian cricket captain] Steve Waugh competed. He couldn’t walk the next day and he had to play a Sheffield Shield match against Tasmania. I think he knocked a quick 100, but couldn’t run between the wickets. This year, Michael Milton is competing. He’s a phenomenal Paralympian and he’s going to do the entire Challenge coursewith just some small changes to his bike and the use of crutches on the trek [Milton lost a leg to bone cancer as a boy]. Now that’s inspirational. I don’t take the competitive aspect of the Challenge too seriously. As you’d imagine, I’ve got plenty of competitive juices in me and I’ve competed in several Challenges where I’ve been at the front and pacingmyself pretty hard. But these days, I prefer to put a little less pressure onmyself and enjoy the event. Entry to the Mark Webber Pure Tasmania Challenge is $25,000 for corporate teams and $12,500 for pairs. For more information or tomake an online donation to the Mark Webber Challenge Foundation, please visit www.markwebberchallenge.com. BOULEVARD Eighty thousand hours, 3333 days, just over nine years – however you count it, it’s an awfully long time. It’s also the number ofman hours that have been poured into the redevelopment of Noosa’s Hastings Street – and it’s worth every second. The $10-million redesign of BEACHSIDE the Sunshine Coast’s best- known shopping and dining strip features new pedestrian walkways, easier street crossings, seating, public artworks and five new shared zones that link the street directly to the beach. An emphasis has been placed on retaining the beachside boulevard’s natural appeal, with the planting of 4000 low- level plants and 55 new trees to complete the picture and combine the street’s chic edge with its village feel. Discover it all for yourself at the Hastings Street relaunch party, 28-30 November. Visit www.visitnoosa.com.au. ?